With the Cleveland Indians remaining just 2-1/2 games behind Minnesota and Oakland in the Wild Card race, it would seem pretty obvious General Manager Mark Shapiro should add to the current roster to stay in the race. However, it is a much more complicated question than it would appear.
Oakland A’s GM Billy Beane has mastered the art of buying and selling in the same trading period. Shapiro should do the same thing. Trading potential free agent Kevin Millwood before the July 31st deadline may say the team does not think it can get to the post season in 2005. But if dealing the right hander could bring a hitter to bolster the Tribe’s attack, it may not be a sign of surrender.
Let’s face it, Millwood has only won four games for this team. I know, I know, he has pitched well enough to win twice that amount. If the Tribe could deal Millwood to the Angels or Rangers and get a productive hitter and then turn around and deal some prospects and spare parts to another team for a pitcher, it could be the move to get the Indians headed in the right direction.
For a mid market team, the idea of buying and selling before the deadline might make the most sense.
Patting myself on the back…Several media outlets including The Plain Dealer and Tribe announcers Mike Hegan and Rick Manning were critical of the Tribe’s move involving the recall of infielder Brandon Phillips. This space told you the move stunk last Wednesday.
Wickman going? It has been reported that Cleveland has been talking to Boston about a possible deal involving the Tribe’s closer. I don’t think it will happen because Wickman’s presence all year has solidified the bullpen. Wicky may retire at the end of the year, but I don’t think he will head to the Red Sox until the Tribe falls way out of it.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 